Nobody likes to go to the dentist and be told "You have a cavity." However, tooth decay is one of the most prevalent issues seen in the dentist's chair. While many people believe they understand cavity prevention and treatment, there are several myths regarding cavities. 

It is extremely important to debunk these myths and misconceptions since they can have a negative effect on your oral and even general health. Here is a list of five myths about tooth decay that should be addressed ASAP.

1. Sugar causes cavities

Cavities are not caused by sugar. They are caused by a mix of acid and germs in your mouth. When you eat sugar, the carbs nourish the bacteria that cause cavities to form. Cavities don't require the consumption of sweet foods on a regular basis. Sugar in other starchy meals, such as bread, rice, potatoes, and others, can also feed on the bacteria in your mouth and contribute to this issue.

2. Tooth decay always causes serious symptoms

Cavities can be difficult to spot without a dental appointment. The pain might be caused by anything as basic as sensitive teeth. Perhaps you haven't flossed in a few days, and your gums are swollen and painful. Perhaps you wash your teeth too hard. A variety of factors might be causing discomfort in your mouth.

The only way to know for sure whether you have a cavity is to make an appointment with a dentist when x-rays will be taken. If you're in a lot of pain, it's probable that you've gone beyond the scope of a simple filling and are dealing with something more serious, such as a root canal or periodontitis.

3. Children are more prone to cavities than adults

We've really lowered decay in school-aged youngsters by half in the last 20 years thanks to fluoride in tap water. On the other hand, cavities in the elderly are on the rise due to medications that dry out the mouth. They lower saliva production (which helps reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth) and this leads to cavities.

4. It is OK to lose baby teeth due to cavities.

Many people think that tooth decay in kids is insignificant. They feel that it makes no difference because the teeth will fall out regardless. The fact is that damage and decay to baby teeth can have an influence on the adult teeth that are forming beneath the gums.

Furthermore, if decay causes the early loss of baby teeth, the permanent teeth may not be in the proper place. Because teeth emerge during infancy, tooth erosion and decay may be extremely damaging to permanent adult teeth. Early tooth decay can result in tooth and bone loss, toothache, and other oral issues

5. You can fill cavities and forget them

Once a cavity has been filled, you must continue to take additional precautions to keep it clean. Plaque and bacteria tend to accumulate around fillings, increasing the risk of cavities in neighboring teeth. Moreover, regular maintenance is required to prevent it from shattering and exposing the susceptible portion of your tooth.

The bottom line

Now that we’ve busted some of these cavity myths, we should say that the best way to handle cavities is to try to prevent them. Make sure to always brush and floss your teeth, especially right after eating extra sugary foods. Also, set appointments with your dentist every six months to have a good cleaning and checkup. Tip: set your next appointment before you leave because six months go by quicker than you think.